When Do You Need a Survey?

As we all know, there are times when the public needs a survey but is not aware that they need a survey. I was thinking it might be time to compile a list of examples for when its time to call a qualified professional land surveyor.

You may need a professional land surveyor when...

..a property is divided into parcels for sale or development

..a property is to be sold, purchased or mortgaged

..a property improvements are planned or to be developed

.. government regulations require a survey and map of your property

.. the location of property boundaries or corners is uncertain

..property trespass or encroachment is evidenced or suspected

Feel free to add to this list or elaborate further in the comments below.

This Content Originally Published by a land surveyor to Land Surveyors United Network

Most of the time when a survey comes in we are speaking to the "Lay Man". The "Lay Man" and/or the public gets lost when we start talking about "types" of surveys. The public gets lost when we start to describe what it is we are going to do for them. They call to get a "Survey" and that is all they are looking for, a survey. They have no idea that there are different types, all they know is that they need a survey. If this discussion is for the purposes of using information from here to speak to the public/clients we as Surveyors need to keep our context very simple and a matter of fact when talking to them. Otherwise the response is like a deer in headlights and crickets in the middle of the night.

If this discussion is for us and to perhaps help ourselves refocus our efforts in new prospects, the list could be very long and eventually could benefit all. However I believe that the public, our future clients need to be educated about our industry and the advantages a survey can provide.

When ever I network, or speak in front of a group of people about Land Surveying, I lay it out as simple as I can and try to relate to them the advantages of a Land Survey and by the time I am done I have inadvertently talked about different types of surveys. But I did it in terms they understand, or least I believe I have, because it generate way more conversation than I expect.....

...In registratin of deeds system of land registration (still active in Sri Lanka) to end the coornership we need to do a partition survey plan befor writing a partition deed.
....Courts need a survey done by licensed surveyor befor settliing any despute
covering various Acts.
....we do land valuation when required by various organizations,as the surveyor has all what is required for vsluation

This is a good start to this list. Something to consider as well would be a post on what type of survey is typically needed for each scope of work. I know I need to work on my communication and explanations of what I do and what's legally required for me to certify a survey.